You shouldn’t need to give up comfort or empty your wallet to keep your residence at a refreshing setting during warm days.

But what is the best temp, exactly? We go over ideas from energy specialists so you can find the best setting for your home.

Here’s what we recommend for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Huntingburg.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is most comfortable. However, if there’s a major difference between your interior and exterior warmth, your cooling costs will be greater.

This is our advice based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that seems too high, there are ways you can keep your residence pleasant without having the air conditioner on all the time.

Keeping windows and window treatments closed during the day keeps cold air where it needs to be—indoors. Some window treatments, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to provide more insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can increase thermostat temps about 4 degrees hotter without compromising comfort. That’s due to the fact they refresh with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not rooms, switch them off when you move from a room.

If 78 degrees still feels too uncomfortable initially, try doing a trial for a week or so. Begin by upping your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually lower it while adhering to the tips above. You might be amazed at how refreshed you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no reason to keep the AC running all day while your home is unoccupied. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees higher can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.

When you come home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your residence more quickly. This isn’t effective and usually results in a higher electrical bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good method to keep your settings in check, but you need to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to move the set temperature when you take off.

If you need a convenient fix, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your house and when you’re away. Then it intuitively changes temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? An estimated $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another advantage of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and change temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR recommends 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for many families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping space is chilled, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that may be too cool, based on your pajama and blanket preference.

We advise running a similar test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and progressively turning it down to pick the best temp for your family. On pleasant nights, you may discover keeping windows open at night and using a ceiling fan is a better idea than using the AC.

More Methods to Conserve Energy During Hot Weather

There are additional approaches you can spend less money on cooling bills throughout warm weather.

  1. Buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Central air conditioners only are effective for about 12–15 years and lose efficiency as they become older. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping cooling bills low.
  2. Set annual air conditioner tune-ups. Routine air conditioner maintenance keeps your equipment running smoothly and might help it run more efficiently. It could also help prolong its life expectancy, since it allows pros to spot seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
  3. Switch air filters often. Read manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A dirty filter can result in your system short cycling, or switch on and off too frequently, and drive up your cooling.
  4. Check attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the United States don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates should have 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has separated over time can seep cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to big comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep warm air in its place by plugging openings. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to seal more cool air inside.

Save More Energy During Warm Weather with Dearing's Service & Solutions

If you need to conserve more energy this summer, our Dearing's Service & Solutions professionals can help. Give us a call at 812-200-5844 or contact us online for extra info about our energy-saving cooling options.